John Legend Delivers World-Class Performances On The South African Leg Of ‘Darkness And Light’ Tour

John Legend Delivers World-Class Performances On The South African Leg Of 'Darkness And Light' Tour

5.0Overall Score

Ever since John Legend released his debut single ‘Used To Love U’ back in 2004, South African audiences had his back. He has achieved a great amount of success locally with every single album he’s released so it was no surprise that the star announced a six-date South African tour earlier this year. The star hasn’t performed on South African soil since 2014 and local audiences have been hungry to see the star perform his new material.

Local superstar, Shekhinah (who just released her debut album ‘Rose Gold’) opened for the star on the Johannesburg leg of his South African tour and, quite frankly blew the crowd away. Opening for John Legend sees the star come full circle as the crooner was a guest judge on her season of Idols South Africa back in 2012. The opportunity to open for the star shows just how much Shekhinah has grown since appearing on the reality show. Shekhinah’s performance was short and sweet – but powerful. Her vocals are incredible live and watching the star belt out her popular tracks was something special indeed. Shekhinah had the crowd eating out of her hand. She hit every single note effortlessly and her stage presence has improved drastically. From performing the hits ‘Suited’, ‘Your Eyes’ and ‘Let You Know’ to bringing Kyle Deutsch out for ‘Back To The Beach’, this will go down as one of Shekhinah’s best live performances of her career so far.

John Legend had a high chance of being outshined by his opening act but luckily, he also gave an incredible performance. The first thing one tends to notice when at a John Legend is the star’s charisma. Audiences seemed to be stuck on every single word he spoke and he seemed to build a connection of sorts with every single person in the room. As soon as John opened his mouth, it was clear that this was going to be a performance for the books.

Every single aspect of the performance was superb. Vocally, John displayed such control and so much emotion seemed to pour out of him. The singer understands how to use his voice. He tones it down beautifully on the ballads and belts it out on the bangers. He didn’t miss a note and the reminded us exactly why he is the recipient of 10 Grammy awards. John picked a fantastic bunch of back-up singers as well. The three women have mammoth voices on them and their sound compliments John Legend’s vocal perfectly. They’re sassy, seductive and incredibly satisfying to watch.

The entire show is performed with a live band. The musicians on stage were the cream of the crop and every artist gave their all on stage. The drums and horns were particularly impressive and John integrated them into the show beautifully. However, it’s John’s piano-playing skills that really stole the show. There is something so special when the star sits behind the piano and pours his heart out. It’s a moment which really makes the show stand out. The star oozes sex appeal which makes this show an incredible watch. One of the highlights is when the star calls up a woman from the crowd to dance with during ‘Slow Dance’. It’s a surreal moment watching someone experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment and enjoying that moment on stage with John Legend.

Although John has completed the Johannesburg leg of the tour, we’re already counting down to his next visit. John will play in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on November 7 before making his way to the GrandWest Grand Arena on the 9th, 10th and 11th of November. If you don’t have your tickets yet, get them as soon as possible – this is a show you won’t want to miss.